Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacture of receptacles by thermoforming and the placing of decorative banderols on these receptacles, in which a first mould block is provided, which may include at least one thermoforming chamber and which is capable of tilting between a working position for the thermoforming of the receptacles and a tilted position for the introduction of a banderol into the thermoforming chamber before the thermoforming of a receptacle in the chamber. The invention is characterized in that a second mould block is provided analogous to the first mould block and in that while one of the mould blocks is in the working position for the thermoforming of a receptacle in the thermoforming chamber of this mould block the other mould block is in the tilted position for the introduction of a decorative banderol into its thermoforming chamber before the thermoforming of another receptacle in the chamber.

Abstract: A first metal mold has a convex portion; a second metal mold has a concave portion; the surfaces of both metal molds facing each other have a predetermined clearance between them when the top of the convex portion is in contact with the bottom of the concave portion; the concave portion includes an opening side area defined by a wall facing the convex portion with a predetermined clearance kept when the convex portion is accommodated and a shoulder continuing from the wall, toward the rough center of the concave portion, to the side of the convex portion, and a bottom area in an area drilled down from the opening surrounded by the shoulder, defined by the wall that contacts the side of the top located within a predetermined distance from the top of the convex portion when the convex portion is accommodated, and the bottom that contacts the top.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoforming apparatus (1) for producing shaped bodies (114) of plastic sheet (50), such as cups, containers, lids, secondary packagings for foodstuffs or the like, which comprises a forming station with a two-part forming tool (20). The two-part forming tool (20) comprises an upper tool table (28) adapted to be adjustably fixed and having an upper tool (30) with pre-stretch means (92) movably mounted therein, and a movable lower tool table (32) having a lower tool (34) with cavities (112). The movable lower tool table (32) is guided through the intermediary of guide means (42) and capable of being approached to the upper tool table (28) and moved away from it. The guide means (42) in accordance with the invention for the first time include a rotatable guide rail assembly (40) whereby the lower tool table (32) may be guided rectilinearly and rotated together with it.

Abstract: A method and device for shaping of an article of composite material. The method includes arranging a blank of composite material on a top surface of a forming tool. A portion of the blank is arranged to protrude outside the top surface of the tool. At least one support is arranged in contact with an underside of the protruding portion of the blank. An air-tight foil is arranged over the arrangement. The air-tight foil is forced towards the blank. The support is lowered until the blank is shaped over the tool. The support is stopped and/or removed. The device includes a tool including a top surface and side surface for shaping at least one blank of composite material into an article having a predetermined profile; and a air-tight foil. The device further includes at least one support arranged to be in supporting contact with the underside of the protruding part of the blank.

Abstract: A molding process and apparatus suitable for use in molding processes, including rapid prototyping processes and short run production processes. The molding process and apparatus entail the use of a reconfigurable screen tool having a housing defining a manifold cavity and a plurality of substantially parallel pins, each having a head protruding from the housing and a shank protruding into the housing. The heads of the pins define a screen surface through which air is able to flow, for example, through gaps between adjacent heads or through internal passages within the pins. The process further includes axially moving the pins to configure the screen surface, preventing further axial movement of the pins relative to each other, and then drawing a vacuum within the manifold cavity and creating a vacuum at the screen surface.

Abstract: A thermoforming machine includes an upper frame (10) and a lower frame (40). The upper frame includes a top bracket (20) and a bottom bracket (30). The top bracket has a driving mechanism and a screw post (272) therein. The bottom bracket has an upper base plate (32) and a lower base plate (36) disposed with a distance therebetween. The upper base plate has a top forming plate (324) thereon. The lower base plate has a lower forming plate (362) thereon corresponding to the upper mold plate. One end of the screw post is fixed to the upper base plate, and the other end of the screw post is connected with the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is for driving the screw post to bring the upper base plate moving toward or away the lower base plate.

Abstract: An object of the invention is a method of forming by hot stamping pieces of complex sheeting, composed of a one-piece element comprising several parts of relatively low thickness arranged in different intersecting planes, proceeding from a blank composed of at least one layer of fibers, which have been pre-impregnated with a thermoplastic resin, in which said preheated blank is formed in an assembly composed of a punch and a die. The method includes the steps of a first phase, the part of said blank that is to comprise the bottom or analog of the piece to be obtained is pressed against the bottom of the die, then the second phase, the part or parts of the blank comprising the flanged edge or flanged edges of said piece are pressed against the sides of the die, the work piece that has been obtained in this way then being removed from the jig.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermoshaping a thermoplastic foil has a lower tool carried on the frame and having an upper face formed with an array of upwardly open mold cavities, and an upper beam vertically displaceable above the lower tool. A punch plate fixed on the upper beam is provided with an array of downwardly projecting punches fittable in the cavities. A hold-down plate below the punch plate is limitedly vertically shiftable relative thereto. The hold-down plate is formed with an array of holes through which pass the punches. An actuator downwardly shifts the upper beam when the foil is extending horizontally between the lower tool and the hold-down plate for first pressing the foil with the hold-down plate against the upper face of the lower tool and then pushing the punches through the holes against the foil into the cavities to form pockets in the foil at the cavities.

Abstract: A concave half (10) having a conical inside and a convex half (20) having a conical outside and being fitted therein are fitted in each other. An openable and closable, loop-shaped supporting means as a toggle-jointed link (30) rotatably supports and pushes a cylindrical part (23) of the convex half (20) onto the axis on at least three points on the outer periphery of the cylindrical part (23), with an axis of the concave half (10) and an axis of the convex half (20) being aligned with each other when the supporting means is closed. The toggle-jointed link (30) is openable and closable, wherein a plurality of rolling objects such as rollers (31) are provided inside the loop, thereby improving function as a bearing of the supporting means and efficiently manufacturing quality rolled cones (40).

Abstract: A mold tool for paper relief engraving provides a mold cavity, a mold plunger and a folder for being detachably fixed with the mold cavity and the mold plunger at the inner sides thereof. The mold cavity and the mold plunger are doubly etched to create pattern nests and pattern projections respectively with smooth fine contours and edges such that the relief engraved paper can be tightly pressed in a way of the flat part of the paper being kept without wrinkles and deformation at the nests and the jut up part of the paper extending sufficiently. Hence, the relief engraved configuration presents outstanding sense of beauty especially for making a greeting card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoforming apparatus (1) for producing shaped bodies of plastic sheet (50), such as cups, containers, lids, secondary packagings for foodstuffs or the like, which comprises a forming station with a two-part forming tool (20). The two-part forming tool (20) comprises an upper tool table (28) adapted to be adjustably fixed and having an upper tool (30) with pre-stretch means (92) movably mounted therein, and a movable lower tool table (32) having a lower tool (34) with cavities. The movable lower tool table (32) is guided through the intermediary of guide means (42) and capable of being approached to the upper tool table (28) and moved away from it. In accordance with the invention, the upper tool table (28) for the first time includes associated drive means (26) for adjusting the upper tool table (28) in its position relative to the upper dead point of the lower tool table (32) in correspondence with the respective shaped body to be produced.

Abstract: Isothermal imprint embossing system. In one embodiment, the system includes a heater to pre-heat a disk substrate to an embossing temperature, a die assembly with an embossing foil to imprint the embossable film disposed on the disk substrate, and a heat tunnel disposed between the heater and the die assembly to maintain the embossing temperature.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus and method are provided. An identification tag such as a radio frequency identification tag is provided for molding into or attaching to a thermoformed article during the thermoforming process. The tag may be attached to the article by mechanical interlocking and/or a heat sensitive adhesive. The identification tag is applied to the article while the article is being formed in the thermoforming mold.

Abstract: The installation for manufacturing objects such as receptacles by thermoforming pellets of thermoplastic material includes conveyor means for conveying the pellets through the various stations in the installation, said stations including a heating station and a thermoforming station. The conveyor means comprise conveyor elements (46) defining cells (48) which are open upwards and downwards, and each of which is suitable for containing one pellet (12) while the entire top and bottom faces of the pellet remain unobstructed, means for depositing the pellets in the cells, drive means for driving the conveyor elements through the heating station, and transfer means (20) for transferring the heated pellets to the thermoforming station. The heating station includes bottom heater means (52) that co-operate with a support for the pellets while said conveyor elements are being driven through the heating station.

Abstract: A three-dimensional hard copy apparatus including: a shape forming unit including plural display pins having a contact unit, which selectively contacts a thermoplastic sheet, and moves relative to a display surface and is capable of forming a predetermined pattern; a drive unit that selectively drives the plural display pins; a lock sheet that holds the positions of the plural display pins; and a fan that moves the thermoplastic sheet in a direction of the shape forming unit and brings the thermoplastic sheet into press contact with the shape forming unit, wherein the apparatus forms the predetermined pattern with the shape forming unit, holds the plural display pins with the lock sheet, and brings the thermoplastic sheet and the shape forming unit with the fan to mold a pattern of a shape matching the predetermined pattern, which is formed by the shape forming unit, on the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: Blanks (12) of thermoplastic material are heated, and a thermoforming step is performed in which the heated blanks are deformed plastically by stretching. Before the thermoforming step, a die-punching step is performed in which the peripheral regions of the blanks are deformed by die-punching while the material of the blanks is held captive on the outside. The installation includes heater means (16) for heating said blanks, thermoforming means (24), and a die-punching tool (26, 28) suitable for deforming the peripheral regions of the blanks before they are thermoformed.

Abstract: A sheet material pressing machine for pressing a sheet material into a formed article may include a first die unit that can be opened and closed and a second die unit that can be opened and closed. The first and second die units are arranged and constructed such that closing operation of the first die unit and opening operation of the second die unit, or vice versa, can alternately occur.

Abstract: Compression molding apparatus for molding plastic closures for containers includes a rotary turret having a vertical axis and supporting circumferentially spaced and axially moveable opposing plungers each carrying a compression mold member. Each mold member is attached to its corresponding plunger by a quick change locking coupler including a cylinder with circumferentially spaced holes supporting balls for radial movement. Each mold member has an axially projecting stud with an enlarged head portion projecting into the cylinder, and a cup-shaped piston surrounds the cylinder and has a recess for receiving the balls in a released position. A spring urges the piston to a locked position with the balls engaging the stud, and a housing is recessed within the plunger to support the piston for axial movement against the spring to a released position in response to pressurized fluid received within the housing through a passage within the housing and plunger.

Abstract: A method and a molding tool for producing containers from a thermoplastic plastic film. The method and tool permit the production of containers having a hollow floor and a double-walled standing base, with a seal between the two walls of the standing base. The method permits the production of such a container in large piece numbers, and with a high quality, and allows it to be transferred reliably into a stacking device. The components of the molding tool are subjected to low wear, and the molding tool is unsusceptible to contamination. These features are attained by a constant contact between the mold floor and the container floor between the shaping and stacking processes, and by the creation of a space between the inside wall of the standing base and the outside wall of the mold floor prior to the ejection of the container, the space also permitting the unmolding of a standing base that has a more pronounced undercut or a slightly conical shape.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a method and apparatus for forming (or cold-forming) an embossed blister from a laminated film wherein an indicia is formed on the base of the blister. In particular, the invention involves a single pass process of combining the formation of a blister and the formation of an indicia (embossing) on the blister, wherein the blister-forming pin contains a face with an indicia and is adapted to controllably stretch the laminated film during blister formation to minimize stretching of the film at the base of the blister. The invention is particularly useful in manufacturing processes which involve the formation of blisters having laminated films which contain a metal foil and polymer layer, wherein improved control in the stretching of the laminate during blister formation is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mould (42) for bending material parts, the mould (42) comprising opposite first and second longitudinally extending mould halves (1, 21) enclosing a longitudinal mould cavity (59). The first mould halve (1) comprises a plurality of parallel first plates (2), and the second mould halve (21) comprises a plurality of parallel second plates (22). The first and second plates (2, 22) extend in width direction of the mould (42), alternate in longitudinal direction of the mould (42) and comprise respectively a first and second end wall (5, 25). Consecutive first and second end walls (5, 25) form respectively first and second side walls (3, 23) on opposite sides of the mould cavity (59).

Abstract: The production of pouch-shaped or pot-shaped parts is undertaken in two steps. In the first step, a film located above a die is pressed by a stamp into a cavity that reproduces the part and is subsequently pressed apart in the lower region of the cavity by deformation of the stamp in this region. The device has a rubber-like stamp that expands out on all sides once it has reached the bottom wall of the cavity and causes the film to conform to the shape of the cavity. The stamp is preferably designed in two parts, wherein a stamp insert is guided within a stamp guide and the stamp insert then has at least one deformable region. For removal of the formed film, provision is made that the die can be swung open.

Abstract: A method and system for molding thermoplastic sandwich material to form a deep-drawn article utilizing a unique clamping technique and mechanism are described. The method includes the steps of positioning a blank of thermoplastic sandwich material having a cellular core over a female die having an article-defining cavity defined by inner surfaces of the female die. Then, an inner portion of the blank is forced into the female die along a substantially vertical axis and against the inner surfaces of the female die to obtain deep-drawn material. During the step of forcing at least one outer portion of the blank immediately adjacent the female die is clamped to guide the at least one outer portion of the blank to travel into the article-defining cavity at an acute angle with respect to the vertical axis. Thickness of at least one side wall of the deep-drawn material is substantially the same as thickness of the blank of thermoplastic sandwich material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending a substantially rigid substrate (22) having first and second portions (28, 30) interconnected by a bend region (32). The apparatus comprises first and second heated die members (60, 80). The first heated die member (60) has a longitudinal body portion (62) and an outer edge portion (64) that extends along the longitudinal body portion (62) and is substantially rounded. The second heated die member (80) has a longitudinal body portion (82) and a groove (84) that extends along the longitudinal body portion (82). The first and second heated die members (60, 80) are configured to contact the substrate (22) and are capable of bending the substrate (22) in the bend region (32) when the outer edge portion (64) of the first heated die member (60) slides into the groove (84) of the second heated die member (80). There is also a method for bending the substantially rigid substrate (22).

Abstract: A process for producing a biodegradable and bioabsorbable implant material, which comprises forging a billet comprising and biodegradable and bioabsorbable crystalline polymer at a low temperature and then forging the same once more or in a plurality of times at a low temperature by changing its press-forcing direction.

Abstract: A pair of form keys and a method for forming reverse drafts in foam parts are disclosed. A male form key is reciprocally mounted in a first mold half in a retracted position. A female form key is rotatably mounted in a second mold half in a neutral position. The first mold half includes a first drive pin that when engaged, moves the male form key into engagement with a foam sheet to form an undercut as the first and second mold halves are closed. The first mold half also includes a second drive pin that engages the female form key as the first and second mold halves close rotating the female form key into engagement with the foam sheet and the male form key. After closure of the mold and the product is formed, the mold is opened. As this occurs, the drive pins are disengaged and the male form key retracts and the female form key rotates to their neutral positions. The formed product may then be stripped from the mold while maintaining the reverse draft or undercut.

Abstract: A method and system for co-molding a thermoplastic material with a thermoplastic sandwich material to form a thermoplastic sandwich article having a thermoplastic inner portion are provided. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic material may be a composite material and the article is a deep-drawn article. In this embodiment, the method and system include a female die having an article-defining cavity defined by inner surfaces of the female die and an outer male die for forcing an inner portion of a blank of thermoplastic sandwich material having a cellular core and a predetermined amount of thermoplastic composite material placed on the blank into the female die along a substantially vertical axis and against the inner surfaces of the female die to obtain deep-drawn sandwich material. In a second embodiment in which the article formed is not deep-drawn, the outer male die is not required.

Abstract: A device for shape-forming at least one recess in a film-type material features a die with at least one opening, at least one shaping stem that can be introduced into the opening to create the recess by shape-forming, and a clamping facility for holding the film-type material fast between the clamping facility and the die. Counter-stems which are displaceable at least within the die openings are situated in the die, whereby shape-forming regions of the shape forming stems and the counter-stems for clamping the film-shaped material are, at least in part, superimposed on each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a preform component for a golf club head composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg material is disclosed herein. The preform component is preferably a face component, a crown component or a sole component, composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg material. The apparatus preferably has a plunger head attached to a pneumatic cylinder for compressing the plies of pre-preg sheets within a mold cavity configured to define a preform component.

Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die. The die has at least one bar stamping surface provided with at least one elastomeric coating which includes a conductive filler such as stainless steel powder. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is possible particularly when the dies are chilled. Use of the conductive filler facilitates chilling of the dies.

Abstract: A press to form a composite acetabular allograft cup for use in hip replacement surgery is disclosed. The acetabular cup formed by the press comprises bone cement and cancellous bone chips. The press includes a two-piece mold for forming the acetabular cup. The mold is removable from the press and may be available in many different sizes to accommodate a range of patients. A screw-type compression means is utilized to force the acetabular cup into the desired shape. A compression gauge allows the operator to monitor the pressure applied as the acetabular cup is formed to prevent excessive crushing of cancellous bone chips. Breaking jaws are used to separate the acetabular cup from the upper portion of the mold after the bone cement has set and the acetabular cup is formed.

Abstract: A plug assist tooling assembly for a roll fed, post trim thermoforming machine in which a spider plate connecting plug assist rods is located below one or more support plates holding a clamping plate having an array of holes formed therein each defining a chamber each receiving a plug assist which chambers are sealed when sheet material is clamped by rings encircling the open top of each chamber to enable air pressure communicating to each chamber to exert forming pressure on the section of sheet material within each clamping ring. The support plates are fixed spaced from one of the main platens by standoffs fixed relative to the support plate or plates and the platen, the spider plate located in the same space.

Abstract: A container manufacturing method and device. The container manufacturing method includes steps of mixing, board-making, molding, guiding/crimping and demolding. Lower protruding guide bodies are arranged along the circumference of the mold cavity of the lower mold seat of the container manufacturing device at intervals. Upper protruding guide bodies are arranged on the press board and aimed at the intervals between the adjacent lower guide bodies. In the step of guiding/crimping, when the press board is pressed down by an oil pressure cylinder, the interlaced upper and lower guide bodies clamp and press the circumference of the board body to form regular crimps thereon. Therefore, when the upper mold block presses the board body into the mold cavity, the material can be evenly distributed and flowed so that the wall of the molded container can have uniform thickness.

Abstract: A conductive damper for use in a speaker is provided, the endurance and the moldability of which are improved. A base is moved downward to allow an inner top mold to abut on a bottom mold, then the base is further moved downward to allow the inner top mold and the bottom mold to be applied pressure and the base moves down with being guided by guiding means. At this time, energizing means energizes the inner top mold to press the bottom mold, thereby corrugations for the inner part of a workpiece of the conductive damper are molded. At this time, the workpiece of the conductive damper is pulled toward the inner side thereof. Then, the base is further moved downward to press an outer top mold onto the bottom mold, thereby corrugations for the outer part of the workpiece of the conductive damper are molded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding thermoformable sheet material is set forth. The method includes the steps of providing a conventional stamp type mold, one section of which provides a compliant mold member which is augmented by diaphragm. The diaphragm coacts with the compliant member during a molding phase to ensure dimensional uniformity in the molded article. Further, tight or detailed areas are easily molded by making use of the compliant and diaphragm members. In a further embodiment, tension adjusting is achieved during molding by a series of discrete tension members. The tension members cooperate with the compliant and diaphragm members to significantly improve dimensional uniformity and prevent wrinkling in the molded article.

Abstract: A blister pack which confines the movement a dosage form in order to resist damage thereto during handling and transportation while permitting removal of the intact dosage form, and apparatus and methods for the same. In particular, the invention provides a blister pack wherein the blister includes a protruding region between the opening and the base, thereby producing a constricted area or “neck” in the blister. In a preferred embodiment, the protruding region comprises an inwardly directed annulus formed in the blister wall. Accordingly, vertical movement of the dosage form is confined as a result of the protruding region, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the dosage form caused by agitation of the blister pack. The invention is particularly useful in packaging frangible pharmaceutical dosage forms formed in situ within the blister, such as freeze dried dosage forms and rapidly dissolving oral dosage forms.

Abstract: A device and method for forming tableware from biodegradable vegetable fibers includes a device for punching a sheet of vegetable fibers into a preset shape and forming final products from the vegetable fibers. The device and method include a humidifier for humidifying the vegetable fibers, a bender for bend-drawing the vegetable fiber into an intermediate article, a warm-air dryer for keeping and drying the intermediate article, a cool-air dryer for further drying and cooling the intermediate article into a finished article.

Abstract: A pipe section formed of a polymeric material which has a substantially constant thickness throughout, the terminal edge of the female connection having a reinforcement structure which rigidifies the end of the female connection and prevents deformation, the pipe section preferably having a flared end, and the reinforcement structure preferably being a semicircular channel formed at the end of the pipe section by a mandrel after initial extrusion of the pipe section; along with a method and apparatus for forming the pipe section, a pipe assembly including such pipe section, and a method of forming the pipe assembly.

Abstract: The method of moving a turntable in an apparatus for molding and punching out containers from a thermoplastic plastic foil by a differential pressure is to be executed such that relatively-small gravitational forces occur as the end positions of the pivoting movement are approached. In this way, the apparatus can be operated with a high stroke number, and not necessitate complicated curved paths. This is attained through the reduction of the distance between the center of gravity of the unit comprising the turntable and the lower tool half and a fixed pivot point in the first half of the pivoting angle during the pivoting of the turntable, with the distance being increased again in the second half of the pivoting angle. This change in position supports the accelerating or braking of the turntable.

Abstract: A device for stamping a detergent bar, i.e. a bar comprising soap, a synthetic detergent active or a mixture thereof, includes a die. The die has at least one bar stamping surface provided with at least one elastomeric coating which includes a conductive filler such as stainless steel powder. Good release of the detergent bars from the die is possible particularly when the dies are chilled. Use of the conductive filler facilitates chilling of the dies.

Abstract: A female mold vacuum forming apparatus and a method for using the female mold vacuum forming apparatus for providing improved draw depth capability. The female mold vacuum forming apparatus comprises a top contoured surface and a cavity having a cavity surface formed within the top contoured surface. The cavity surface defines part geometry having deep-draw sections. The top contoured surface defines open sections in the side surfaces of the mold adjacent to at least one deep-draw section to allow free formation of parts within said at least one deep-draw section.

Abstract: A middle liner of a slide guide device for a machine press has a spherical shaped side which fits into a sliding gib attached to a slide. The middle liner slides along a fixed gib at first and second linear surfaces that are at an angle with each other. The combination of self-alignment and smooth movement of the slide is achieved in the presence of an eccentric load acting on the slide. A machine press equipped with such a slide guide device has excellent eccentric load resistance and high working precision. In a further embodiment, a press machine is further equipped with a knockout device having knockout block moving between a pair of guide rails. A plurality of middle liners, each having at least one spherical surface, are positioned between the knockout block and the guide rails. The resulting knockout device provides a stable knockout load with low noise and low energy consumption.

Abstract: A baking dough configuration device 10 includes a cutter or first member 12 that removably inserts into a tray or second member 18 having a preselected quantity of baking dough therein. The first member 12 is forcibly urged into the second member 18 until the first member 12 engages a lower wall 19 of the second member 18 thereby cutting or separating the dough in the second member 18 into a predetermined configuration. The first member 12 is then removed from the second member 18 followed by the removal of the dough from the second member 18. The dough maintains its configuration imposed by the first member 12 due to the dimension of the cuts or separations. The dough is then placed in an environmental chamber to allow for the growth of yeast, then baked, resulting in a bread roll having a configuration that is substantially the same as a bread roll derived from baked dough positioned into an “overhand knot” configuration.

Abstract: A resinous die for press-shaping a blank material into a desired configuration, which comprises a die member and a mating punch, both having respective shaping portions. Each shaping portion is formed of an epoxy resin layer provided at portions thereof where a relatively low surface pressure is applied, and a plurality of reinforcing pieces provided in an embedded fashion at portions thereof where a relatively high surface pressure is applied, for reinforcing the shaping portion. This arrangement imparts increased durability to the shaping portion and hence the die while keeping the cost of manufacture of the die to a minimum.

Abstract: Disclosed are a shaping mold for producing an optical fiber guide block which permits highly accurate positioning and fixing of optical fibers, an optical fiber guide block having such excellent properties, processes for the production of these, and an optical fiber array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a preform component for a golf club head composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg material is disclosed herein. The preform component is preferably a face component, a crown component or a sole component, composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg material. The apparatus preferably has a plunger head attached to a pneumatic cylinder for compressing the plies of pre-preg sheets within a mold cavity configured to define a preform component.

Abstract: A mold assembly for press molding plastic material into products under heat and pressure wherein the material is placed on a base mold having at least one or more guide blocks spaced thereabout for accommodation of wedge mold segments each having a surface matched to a portion of the base mold. Each wedge mold segment is arranged to move over an inclined surface of a guide block into compression mated association with material to be molded on the respective portion of the mold base to which it is matched. In operation the wedges are pushed downward by a press and moved laterally over the stationary inclined surfaces of the guide blocks which guide the wedges inwardly in matched pressure relation with the material to be molded on the sides of the base mold. The invention also includes division of the wedge mold segment into an assembly of two parts in which a mold section is backed by an associated wedge member which pushes the mold section into molding position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for thermoforming a thermoplastic blank (10) into a plastic container (1) having a cup-shaped main body (2) with a radially extending flange (3). A blank holder (12) is conveyed by a conveyor (15) along a predetermined path of travel in a predetermined direction. During one circulation, a plurality of blanks are supplied by a blank feeder (16) to the blank holder, a central portion (10a) of each blank is heated by direct contact with upper and lower heating boards (19a, 19b) of heating unit (18) to preferably above a melting point of the blank material, then the heated portion is formed into the cup-shaped main body by a forming unit (20), then a peripheral portion (10b) is annealed by a flange annealing unit (26), and finally the product containers are removed from the blank holder by a pick-up unit (28). The vacant blank holder (12″) is returned to the blank feed station. An annular ridge (3a) or skirt flange (3b) may be formed, preferably at the flange annealing station.

Abstract: A photo film cassette includes a spool core (13) on which photo film is wound in a form of a roll. A cassette shell (3, 4) contains the spool core in rotatable fashion. In each of a pair of disks (16, 17), a bearing hole (16a, 17a) is formed. The disks are secured to first and second ends of the spool core, and regulate edges of the photo film. To produce at least one kind of disk, a continuous sheet (27, 78, 88, 162, 171, 215) of thermoplastic synthetic resin is partially masked with a mask plate (48, 87, 160, 161, 170). A portion of the sheet emerging out of the mask plate is heated at temperature higher than a softening point of the sheet. The emerging portion is subjected to vacuum/air-pressure forming, so as to form a disk-like portion (20) in the sheet. The bearing hole and a contour of the disks is cut in the disk-like portion, to produce the disks.

Abstract: A method and a molding tool for producing containers from a thermoplastic plastic film. The method and tool permit the production of containers having a hollow floor and a double-walled standing base, with a seal between the two walls of the standing base. The method permits the production of such a container in large piece numbers, and with a high quality, and allows it to be transferred reliably into a stacking device. The components of the molding tool are subjected to low wear, and the molding tool is unsusceptible to contamination. These features are attained by a constant contact between the mold floor and the container floor between the shaping and stacking processes, and by the creation of a space between the inside wall of the standing base and the outside wall of the mold floor prior to the ejection of the container, the space also permitting the unmolding of a standing base that has a more pronounced undercut or a slightly conical shape.